New Delhi, April 15 -- US Vice President JD Vance hit back at criticism from the Vatican, saying the Church should avoid interfering in American policymaking.

"I certainly think that in some cases, it would be best for the Vatican to stick to matters of morality," Vance told Fox News. "And let the President of the United States stick to dictating American public policy."

The remarks come amid growing friction between the Trump administration and Pope Leo XIV, who has criticised US positions on immigration and the Iran conflict.

US President Donald Trump escalated the dispute over the weekend, attacking the pontiff on social media.

"Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy," Trump wrote, adding, "I don't want a Pope w...